Deconstructing Remote Interpreting

15/02/2018

Clear communication is key when rendering a message to an audience, especially at an event where attendees may represent multiple countries, cultures and languages. Though globalization is growing and plurilingualism is not uncommon, it’s not always possible for a speaker to jump multiple language hurdles when delivering important information to cross-cultural listeners. In these cases, the need for interpreters is clear and for certain events, remote interpreting can be the best option, but what does remote interpreting entail, exactly? How does it work, and when is it most useful?

What equipment and human resources are needed?

A remote interpreting service is based on the principle of remote audio and video communication via the internet, enabling a swift and flexible service that meets the needs of every client. A remote system has two principal advantages over traditional on-site methods:

Firstly, interpreters do not have to be at the actual event location, nor is there a need for large, complicated equipment. Obviously, this can reduce costs and the hassle of providing transportation for interpreters, especially if multiple interpreters would be needed. Ideally, the interpreter’s professional skills should be the same: qualified, native interpreters, all of whom are experts in various disciplines and have extensive professional experience. Secondly, there is no need for specialist, on-site technical equipment.

Remote interpreting uses audio or video receivers, or smartphones, to transmit an off-site interpreter, working in a controlled professional environment, to audience members.

Typically, a quality remote interpreting service requires:

computers

audio and/or video equipment

smartphones and apps or receiving devices

an internet connection

Transmission equipment is set up at the event, and interpreters view and/or listen to the event and provide simultaneous interpreting from CPSL offices. Their interpreting is then transmitted via a receiving device, video, or smartphone app to those members of the audience who want to hear the message in their native language.

When can you benefit from Remote Interpreting Technology (RIT)?

RIT is useful for any event which involves a speaker communicating to an audience of multiple languages and cultures, including courtrooms, conferences, proceedings, and criminal or police inquiries.

Remote interpreting can provide a way to communicate between people of various languages when resources — whether funding, manpower, or technology — are limited, when security or space is a concern, or where a group is too diverse or for on-site interpreters to be practical.

Challenges

Regardless of whether interpreting is provided on-site or remotely, the technical equipment must be set up properly in order to ensure that the programme runs smoothly and audience members understand it. It is therefore imperative that equipment be checked and double-checked. Using the professional services of a reliable interpreting partner makes this process much easier and offers peace of mind, especially if remote interpreters are working from a controlled office setting, with vital equipment and support staff on-hand to help out in the unlikely event of a problem. The professional interpreters chosen for remote assignments tend to be slightly more ‘tech’ orientated.

Interpreters are excellent multitaskers who take note of non-verbal cues from the speaker they are interpreting as well as reactions from the audience. They must have the skills to rise to the challenge of remote interpreting, because it often uses video conferencing that may only show the speaker on-screen. As technology improves, and remote interpreters become accustomed to visual and auditory cues and constraints, they will continue to adapt their skills to different environments and the varying demands of on and off-site interpreting.

There is, however, one significant benefit of remote interpreting for the interpreters. The merest hint of any distraction is minimised (i.e. camera crews or flashes, sudden loud noises or unexpected movements are all non-issues with remote interpreting, allowing the interpreter to focus solely on the speaker, what (s)he is saying, and getting the message across to the audience accurately). In fact, an added advantage for audience members is that they can access the event from their home or office, which might not otherwise be possible. This option saves them time and money on transport and other daily costs.

The CPSL RIT method offers great advantages, without compromising on quality, and provides an excellent user experience. Plus, by eliminating the need for transport and the set-up of technical equipment, and the costs of travel, food, and accommodation for interpreters, we are able to offer very competitive prices…

Is Remote Interpreting right for you?

Remote interpreting could be the right solution for anyone looking to cut costs, meet security requirements, cater to a large and diverse group of listeners, or achieve a wide reach without needing tons of equipment or manpower. It is a growing service that can help you reach your communication goals.

An example of the benefits of remote interpreting service is the CPSL Remote Interpreting Technology (RIT), an intuitive, user-friendly system for quality interpreting services at minimum cost and requiring very little equipment. To prepare your remote interpreting partner for your multilingual event, you need to provide the following information:

Exactly when and where the event will take place

What languages need to be interpreted

The event topic

The number of people requiring interpretation services

You can download a free Remote Interpreting Technology guide here, or contact us for further information at INFO-UK@CPSL.COM.

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